Chocolate Beignets

Chocolate Beignets Recipe from France with Milk Chocolate and Oranges

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Chocolate beignets are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These deep-fried pastries are filled with gooey milk chocolate and dusted with orange sugar for a burst of citrus flavor. They are a popular dessert in New Orleans and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

History

Beignets originated in France and are a type of deep-fried pastry that is typically served as a dessert or breakfast treat. The addition of chocolate to the traditional beignet recipe adds a rich and decadent twist to this classic dish. The combination of chocolate and orange in this recipe creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

oil for frying

Starter

0.5 cup flour
0.25 cup sugar
0.75 cup milk
2 tbsp yeast

Dough

3 cups flour
4 eggs
5 oz (142 g) butter
3 tsp salt
0.25 lb (113 g) milk chocolate

Orange sugar

zest from 2 oranges

How to prepare

Starter

In a mixing bowl, combine milk, sugar, and yeast. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Whisk in the flour and cover. Allow it to sit for 30 to 40 minutes. The starter will rise and double in volume.

Dough

Put the starter into the bowl of a mixer with a dough hook. Add the flour and salt.
Mix on low speed for 3 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time to form dough.
Increase the speed to medium and add the butter, 1 tbsp at a time.
Allow the mixer to mix on medium-high for 12 minutes until a smooth and shiny ball of dough has formed.
Lightly cover the dough with oil and leave it covered in a bowl at room temperature for a couple of hours to rise.
Punch the dough down and lightly flour a work surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.25 inch.
Cut out circles of dough with a diameter of 1.5 inches and place them on a clean sheet tray. If not using immediately, these can be stored in the refrigerator overnight.
When ready to cook, place a piece of chocolate weighing 0.5 oz (14 g) in the middle of 8 dough circles. Lightly brush the edges of the circles with water.
Top each circle with another dough circle and lightly press them together.
Fry the beignets at 350°F, turning them while cooking until they turn golden brown.
Drain the beignets on paper towels.
Allow them to cool slightly and dust them with orange sugar.

Orange sugar

Dehydrate the orange zest in a dehydrator or in an oven with a pilot light on.
Pulverize the dehydrated orange zest in a spice or coffee grinder and mix it with an equal amount of sugar.

Variations

Try filling the beignets with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Serve the beignets with a side of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the starter sit for the full 30 to 40 minutes to allow it to rise and double in volume.

- When rolling out the dough, make sure it is an even thickness to ensure that the beignets cook evenly.

- Be careful not to overfill the beignets with chocolate, as this can cause them to burst open while frying.

- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature while frying to ensure that the beignets cook evenly and do not burn.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate beignets are best served warm and dusted with powdered sugar or orange sugar. They pair well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Cooking Techniques

Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature while frying to ensure that the beignets cook evenly.

- Make sure to fry the beignets in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure that they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute dark chocolate or white chocolate for the milk chocolate in this recipe.

- If you don't have oranges for the orange sugar, you can use lemon or lime zest instead.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for the beignets can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply roll out the dough and cut out the circles before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chocolate beignets on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh orange slices. - Arrange the beignets in a decorative pattern on a serving tray for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chocolate beignets pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.

- For a more indulgent treat, serve the beignets with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Chocolate beignets are best served fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chocolate beignets contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chocolate beignets contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chocolate beignets contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of chocolate beignets contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate beignets are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate beignets contain wheat, eggs, milk, and soy.

Summary

Chocolate beignets are a delicious and indulgent treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a moderate source of protein and are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. They contain allergens such as wheat, eggs, milk, and soy.

Summary

Chocolate beignets are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe combines the classic beignet with rich milk chocolate and citrusy orange sugar for a unique and flavorful dessert. Serve these beignets warm and dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful treat that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a hot summer day and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with her garden. As a token of her appreciation, she invited me over for some refreshments. As I sat on her porch sipping on a glass of homemade lemonade, she brought out a plate of the most delicious looking treats I had ever seen.

"These are my famous chocolate beignets," she said with a smile. "Would you like to try one?"

I eagerly accepted and took a bite. The warm, fluffy dough melted in my mouth, and the rich chocolate filling was the perfect balance of sweet and decadent. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these delicious treats.

Mrs. Jenkins must have sensed my excitement because she offered to teach me her recipe. We spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, measuring out ingredients and mixing them together to create the perfect dough. As we fried the beignets to golden perfection, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of chocolate and dough.

After they had cooled slightly, Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to inject the chocolate filling into each beignet using a small piping bag. She explained that the key to a perfect chocolate beignet was to make sure that each one was evenly filled with the luscious chocolate cream.

As I took my first bite of the beignet I had made myself, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. The combination of the crispy exterior and the gooey chocolate center was simply divine. Mrs. Jenkins smiled at me proudly, knowing that she had passed down her beloved recipe to the next generation.

From that day on, I made chocolate beignets whenever I had the chance. They became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, always disappearing within minutes of being served. I loved watching the smiles on my loved ones' faces as they bit into the warm, chocolaty treats.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the recipe, tweaking it here and there to make it my own. I added a hint of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy kick, and sometimes I would sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

One day, while visiting a friend in New Orleans, I stumbled upon a quaint little café that served the most amazing chocolate beignets I had ever tasted. The chef graciously shared his secret ingredient with me – a splash of bourbon in the chocolate filling. I couldn't wait to try it out in my own recipe.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in whipping up a batch of my new and improved chocolate beignets. The addition of bourbon added a depth of flavor that was truly exceptional. I couldn't wait to share this new variation with my friends and family.

As the years went by, I became known in my community as the "Chocolate Beignet Queen." People would come from near and far just to sample my delicious creations. I loved nothing more than seeing the joy on their faces as they indulged in a warm, freshly fried beignet.

As I sit here reminiscing about all the memories I have made with my chocolate beignets, I can't help but feel grateful for Mrs. Jenkins and the kindness she showed me that fateful summer day. Her recipe has brought so much joy and happiness to my life and the lives of those around me.

So, the next time you find yourself craving something sweet and decadent, why not give my chocolate beignets a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing down the recipe to your own loved ones, just like I did.